Arizona driver's license fees by document type

Arizona charges different fees depending on which document you're getting and how long you want it to last. A standard five-year driver's license costs $25. If you want a ten-year license, you'll pay $50. A one-year temporary license costs $10. These are the base fees the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles Division charges when you explore in person or online.

If you're renewing by mail instead of in person, the fee is the same — $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. The difference is in what you can and cannot do by mail. You can renew by mail only if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you're not changing your name, and your current license is still valid or expired less than one year ago.

Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses. Arizona offers both, and you choose which one you want when you explore. The Real ID version requires extra documents (proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address), but the fee itself doesn't change.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Arizona driver's license costs $25; a ten-year license costs $50.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional documents like proof of citizenship and Social Security number.
  • You can renew by mail for the same fee if your license is valid or expired less than one year ago and you have no suspensions or name changes.
  • Duplicate licenses, name changes, and address corrections each have separate fees ranging from $10 to $25.
  • Fees are set by the state and do not vary between Motor Vehicles Division offices.

Duplicate and replacement license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate license costs $10. You can order a duplicate online through the Arizona Motor Vehicles Division website, by mail, or in person at any office. Online and mail orders take longer than in-person service, but the fee is the same.

If you need to change your name on your license — because of marriage, divorce, or court order — you'll pay a $25 fee for a name-change license. You must explore in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). A name change is treated as a new license, not a renewal, so you'll get a new license number and expiration date.

Correcting an address on your license without renewing it costs $10. You can do this in person or by mail. If you're renewing at the same time, the address correction is included in the renewal fee and costs nothing extra.

What affects your total cost at the Motor Vehicles Division

Your final bill depends on what you're doing and whether you need additional services. If you're getting a Real ID license for the first time, you'll pay the license fee plus any charges for certified documents you need to bring as proof. The Motor Vehicles Division itself doesn't charge for processing these documents, but you may need to pay your county recorder or vital records office to get certified copies of birth certificates or marriage certificates.

If you're paying by credit or debit card at a Motor Vehicles Division office, some locations charge a convenience fee on top of the license fee. This fee varies by location and payment processor — it's typically $1 to $3 but can be higher. Paying by cash, check, or money order avoids this charge. Online payments through the Motor Vehicles Division website also avoid the convenience fee.

If you need to take the written test or driving test because you're a new driver or your license was suspended, those tests don't have separate fees — they're included in your license process fee. However, if you fail a test and need to retake it, you may have to pay the full process fee again depending on the circumstances.

Renewal fees and timing

Arizona sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest and avoids any convenience fees.

If you renew online, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. By mail, renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In person, you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail later.

If your license expires and you don't renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket. There is no grace period in Arizona — your license must be valid on the date you drive.

Fees for commercial and special licenses

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. This is higher than a standard license because CDL holders must pass additional tests and medical exams. You cannot renew a CDL by mail — you must explore in person at a Motor Vehicles Division office.

A motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license costs $10. You'll need to pass a written test and a riding skills test to get one. If you already have a motorcycle endorsement and want to renew your license, the endorsement renews with your license at no extra cost.

An instruction permit (learner's permit) costs $10 and is valid for one year. You'll need to pass a written test to get one. If you don't pass your driving test within that year, you'll need to renew the permit for another $10.

How to pay and where fees go

The Arizona Motor Vehicles Division accepts cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card. At in-person offices, you can also pay by electronic check. Online, you can pay by credit or debit card only. By mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

The fees you pay go to the Arizona Department of Transportation to fund the Motor Vehicles Division and road safety programs. Arizona does not use driver's license fees to fund other state agencies or general revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Arizona license online if it's already expired?

You can renew online only if your license expired less than one year ago. If it's been expired for a year or longer, you must explore in person. Bring your expired license, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Do I have to pay extra to get a Real ID license?

No. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. The extra cost is in obtaining the documents you need to prove citizenship and identity, which you may have to pay for separately if you don't already have certified copies.

What if I lose my license and need a duplicate right away?

A duplicate costs $10 and can be ordered online or in person. In-person service is fastest — you can get a temporary duplicate the same day. Online orders are mailed to you and take 7 to 10 business days. There is no expedited shipping option.

Do I have to pay the convenience fee if I pay with a card at the office?

The convenience fee depends on the office location and payment processor. To avoid it, pay with cash, check, or money order in person, or renew online through the Motor Vehicles Division website. Not all offices charge the same convenience fee, so call ahead if you want to know the exact amount.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

Yes, changing your address without renewing costs $10. If you're renewing your license at the same time, the address change is included in the renewal fee at no extra cost. You can change your address in person or by mail.